I know there have been a few posts on this subject, but after spending 3 hours trying to install the rear window today I am totally frustrated. I am no further along than I was 3 weeks ago. There has got to be some trick to this. The Shop Manual is absolutely worthless!!! Section 1-5, #5 says..."Start one end of the glass into its channel in the weatherstrip. Using a pointed tool, follow around the rear lip of the glass channel so it bears against the rear surface of the glass." That's it!!! Isn't that redundant? What is the difference between the rear lip and the rear surface? ... on the glass that is. Get your minds out of the gutter. Earlier in the Shop Manual, it says "No sealing compound or cement of any type is used at any point in the installation of a rear window glass". It seems like it would be a good idea. I cannot get the weatherstrip to stay in place while pushing back on the glass. I have tried soapy water as a lubricant. I have tried a hair dryer to heat up and soften the rubber. I have used many choice expletives and consumed a "few" adult beverages. Nothing is working. I held the glass up to the installed weather stripping to make sure it is cut to the right size. It appears to be correct. What is the secret????? Greg
Follow my post in how to assemble an ad. Start the joint at the top, chase around glass. Set on lower lip of cab, then have a friend help to pull inside of cab. Set lockstrip in channel using tool that will make you say bad things. Start lockstrip at bottom. Push extra lockstrip into corners, do not stretch. Put a little glue between ends of lockstrip after cutting a little long, then forcing into channel so shrinkage will not pull apart.
Russ, I have read and re-read the "Assemble an AD" post 100Xs. You show the corner windows, which I did not have any problem with. The rear window is a little different. Are you saying to put the weatherstrip on the rear window glass first and then set both into the window opening starting at the bottom? When you showed the corner window assembly on the "AD" post, you have the weatherstrip in the opening first. I did not have any problems with the lock bead tool and insertion once I figured out it was counter-intuitive. What I mean is you push it in, not pull it in. As always, thanks Russ! Greg
Wish I could remember~ Greg, it has been too many adult beverages ago, but I believe I just followed the manual. I got my rubber from our host, had my doubts about the lock strip tool that came with it, but after much fun pushing that tool all the way around, it was finished. Don't give up, you'll get it!
The back window sucks the most. Use windex s a lube, it slicks and cleans as you work, and doesn't leave residue. Yes, rubber in the hole first, then glass. A friend inside will help to hold the rubber....sorry I was experiencing cerebral flatulence last night, I will flog myself with a wet noodle many times. I also used tape to hold the rubber in place while I worked the glass in.
I just sat with my legs crossed and my arms over my knees with my thumb and forefinger of each hand joined in a perfect circle. As I sat on the deck of my third floor, and the morning sun came up through the trees, the gentle wind rippled my white headband with the rising sun on it. I prayed that my task ahead would be blessed by the great spirit. After I was certain that my prayers had been heard, I proceeded single handed into battle. No tape, no help, just me and the divine power that is ever present. I remember the tool CP sent , actually pulling up and out of the channel the bead was to lay in. That sucked the most. But in the end, the gentle spirit granted me my wish. The window was in. BACKWARDS!!! Just kidding. I did get it done by myself, but the side windows I did next. They _were_ cake! I thought I'd save them for last because they were ~curved~... You can do anything you put your mind to! Best of luck, and Happy New Year!
noone New member,first post and most likely the computerdumbest guy on line. I am commenting about greg problems with the a d rear glass.I laughed all the way through cause ive been there.I have two rear glasses under my belt and still dont have a single pointer.I bet the old factory guys did these in 5 mins.What the heck WAS their trick. I have wondered how a continual rubber piece (like windshield) would work. That way it could be drawed in with a string. I have installed several windshield glasses with no problem
noone New member,first post and most likely the computerdumbest guy on line. I am commenting about greg problems with the a d rear glass.I laughed all the way through cause ive been there.I have two rear glasses under my belt and still dont have a single pointer.I bet the old factory guys did these in 5 mins.What the heck WAS their trick. I have wondered how a continual rubber piece (like windshield) would work. That way it could be drawed in with a string. I have installed several windshield glasses with no problem
i have also seen that picture.All older tools seem better to me. But i did like the new bead tool, maybe because i uses screwdrivers on the last job.That was a 4 hour ordeal.
Repetitive Jobs You'll find that doing the same job over and over helps you learn how to bang it out in jig time ~ in 1947 , those backlights went in in under a minute each time . They had better quality rubber then too . I hope no one here (except Evan) ever needs to learn to easily install these things, what a PIA Remember that fist brake job you did on the '49 Chevy Sedan in Dad's dirt driveway ? how you got the brake shoes all covered in greasy fingerprints ? doesn't happen now , does it ? practice makes it easier so just work slowly and carefully and take a break when you need to , it'll get done .
I tried for 3 hours and my hands gave out. I needed to do the wind shields as well (got all glass and weather striping from our beloved sponser) and called a friend who restores VWs and he refered me to a glass install shop who do driveway calls. They were amazing (used their own homemade tools) and they used WD40 as a lube. They did all 3 pieces for 100 bucks and no scratches and cleaned the glass as well. The only issue, and this is my fault, is that the seam on the rear window is at the bottom instead of the top which is to prevent water intrustion I guess. Cheers, Terry
i actually had someone else do mine too! I had an older guy do it out of his garage. He installed my "new" used door, new cowl, door jam piece, and installed all new weather seals, door windows everything. And he installed my back window. He has done a lot of restorations. Retired body shop guy works out of his garage now, for fun!!! Great guy awesome work. and really fun to talk to. He said that back window was the worst. I got the rubber from our host too and he said it wasn't the best fit, but he finially got it done.
Eureka!!! I finally did it! I am not sure which of the two things I changed made it possible. I suspect it was a little of both. First- [what I should have done in the first place] I listened to Nate's sage advice and ditched the rubber from CP and bought one from Steele. It was much more supple. Second- As I was preparing my bicycle for the new riding season, I looked at one of my bike tools and a light bulb went off. It was the tire rim tools. It looked like the perfect tool for persuading the glass into the rubber. I have shown two photos of the tool. I found it easier if I filed off the little nub on the backside. It's necessary for the bike tire, but just got in the way for this. Bottom line- with these two improvements, I had the window installed in less than 40 minutes. Got the two corner windows done in another 20 minutes. I wouldn't want to arm wrestle the guys that did this for a living. My arms and hands were sore the rest of the day. Now on to the windshield!!! Greg
Windshield Installation Remember to try using a flexible plastic covered wire to pull the rubber in , it really helps ease the job .
Awesome work... Glad you finially got it to work out. I will have to remember the different brand of rubber. Great tips guys
Way to go! I'm happy for you, Greg! Now~ let it rain... You can sit inside your truck and smile from ear to ear listening to the rain drumming on you truck while staying nice and dry inside the cab.
Btw The morning before I installed the glass, I was watching an episode of "My Classic Car" with Dennis Gage. They had a rep from Steele Rubber on. He said always put the seam at the bottom, so any water will drain out, not in. So that's what I did. I reversed it for the lock bead and put it's seam at the top. That way the seams would not line up. Greg
